Hardin County CES

County Emphasis:

Building Community Leadership and Engagement

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 4:

Family and Youth Development

Situation:

     Leadership is critical at several levels, from elected officials and internal management structure of organizations to project managers, team leaders, and those who inspire throughout a community. Thriving communities may require many leaders willing to take on leadership roles. And yet, it can be a challenge to identify new leaders or to encourage leaders to step up to the role without first building leadership capacity (CEDIK 2024). Respondents participating in the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified the need to build leadership capacity to enhance individual and family development and community and economic development. Kentucky has a statewide need to “prepare community members for formal/informal leadership and/or volunteer roles” and to build “capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders,” according to the survey. UK Extension aims to work on strengthening critical leadership skills and confidence for new and emerging leaders so that the pool of willing and capable leaders can rise to match local needs. Volunteer training can have motivational benefits ranging from inspiring volunteers to get more involved to keeping them in the program (Fox, Hebert, Martin & Bairnsfather, 2009).

     Kentucky’s communities face unique challenges that require enhancing connectivity and resilience through digital access, social cohesion, and well-designed public spaces. Broadband access remains critical, particularly in rural areas where digital connectivity gaps hinder economic and educational opportunities. The 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified improved broadband and digital literacy as top priorities for enhancing community resilience.  Extension’s connectivity and resilience efforts focus on supporting local economies and helping communities recover from economic shifts and natural disasters (CEDIK, 2024). By promoting digital literacy, educating on safe and vibrant outdoor spaces, and implementing place-based disaster preparedness programs, Extension strengthens community connections and economic sustainability. These initiatives benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, fostering stronger, more resilient communities equipped to face future challenges.

     Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others.  In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Employee Soft Skills (e.g., communication, productivity, and teamwork skills) and Building Life Skills of Community Members were among the top ten Individual and Family Development Needs reported by Kentuckians.

     Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

Youth Focus

     4-H opportunities profoundly impact individuals and communities in Kentucky by equipping youth with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal leadership, and community engagement. Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are key to future employment (World Economic Forum, 2023). 77% of employers say that there should be less focus on traditional school subjects and more focus on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). In the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment youth life skill training opportunities (such as leadership and communication skill opportunities), strengthening youth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships were top priorities across Kentucky. According to the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (2024), 95% of youth identified their strengths through 4-H, 80% explored career options, and 50% received guidance for college decisions. Additionally, 75% enjoyed helping their community, and 93% felt inspired by 4-H, with 42% being inspired “a lot” to volunteer. These experiences build leadership capacity, promote civic engagement, and create connected, resilient communities by encouraging critical thinking and empathy. Furthermore, 4-H offers life skill training, strengthens youth workforce readiness, fosters mentorship, maximizes youth voice in important issues, and enhances peer-peer relationships.

     In today’s rapidly evolving world, youth are and can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected and resilient communities. Young people are leveraging technology and social networks to foster strong, supportive relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. They are actively engaged in community-building activities, promoting access to opportunity, and driving change. By participating in local and global initiatives, they are not only enhancing their own resilience but also contributing to the overall strength and adaptability of their communities. Their innovative approaches to problem-solving and their commitment to sustainability are essential in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As they continue to collaborate and share knowledge, youth are laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient world. 4-H is committed to providing the resources necessary to promote youth connection in their communities. Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). Communities that promote the indicators of youth thriving will have more connected, capable, and committed citizens that can critically think through addressing the needs and priorities of their community.

     America’s future hinges on a prepared workforce and engaged communities collaborating to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. As of 2024, there are 2,465,949 job openings in Kentucky and nationwide there are 10 million unfilled jobs. Fasted growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education teachers, agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles: ecommerce specialists, digital transformation specialists, and digital marketing professionals (World Economic Forum, 2023). 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (Dell Technologies, 2019). 77% of employers say focus less on traditional school subjects, more on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, adaptability are key (World Economic Forum, 2023). According to the National 4-H Index Study 2024, 80% explored career options, 50% received guidance for college decisions, and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at. To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) has identified key priority issues related to life skill development for young people. These priorities include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.

County Situation:

The development of the county emphasis Building Community Leadership and Engagement in Hardin County was driven by a recognized need to strengthen local leadership capacities and enhance community involvement. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service identified that empowering volunteer leaders is crucial for sustaining community infrastructure and addressing long-term challenges faced by families and communities. This initiative aims to cultivate leadership skills among residents, enabling them to take active roles in community organizations and decision-making processes.

The Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service's plan of work emphasizes the importance of developing leadership skills for community and civic engagement. Opportunities for community strategic planning and leadership exist in the forms councils that focus on specific program areas, Hardin County Extension Homemaker Association, and Community partnerships such as the Expansion and Review committee, etc. are integral components of this effort. These programs focus on building the capacity of volunteer leaders, which is essential for the sustainability of community infrastructure and the implementation of local solutions to community issues.

The 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment as well as discussion between the members of the Hardin County Extension Council, highlighted several key areas where residents expressed a desire for enhanced educational resources and community support. There was a strong emphasis on the need for leadership development, civic engagement, and community revitalization. These findings identified the importance of programs aimed at building community leadership and engagement to address local challenges effectively.

Advisory councils have been instrumental in shaping the development of these programs. By providing grassroots insights and identifying specific community needs, these councils ensure that the programs are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by Hardin County residents. Their involvement guarantees that the initiatives are community-driven and aligned with local priorities.

In summary, the Building Community Leadership and Engagement emphasis in Hardin County emerged from a concerted effort to address identified community needs through the development of local leadership. The collaborative involvement of advisory councils and community members ensures that the program remains responsive and effective in fostering a more engaged and empowered community.

Long-Term Outcomes:

ADULT

• Strong boards and organizations accomplish more in the community
• Increased community pride or investment
• Expanded partnerships enhance problem-solving and resource-sharing
• Improved quality of life through connection and civic engagement
• Increased human capital 
• Improved quality of workforce

YOUTH

• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.  
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.  
• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace

Intermediate Outcomes:

ADULT

• Leaders recruit, engage and mentor others to participate in community projects to address community issues and needs
• Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
• More individuals engage in local governance and civic groups.
• New partnerships and networks address community challenges
• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

YOUTH

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
• Youth will plan and implement a service projec
• Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community.
  
  

Initial Outcomes:

ADULT

• Volunteers and participants will improve leadership skills and knowledge gained through training programs resulting in giving their time to serve in volunteer roles.
• Improved awareness of civic engagement opportunities.
• Greater knowledge of community partnerships and collaboration strategies
• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies

YOUTH

• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  
• Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task. 
• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement). 
• Youth realize how their actions impact others. 
• Increased knowledge of educational and opportunities.

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Intermediate Outcome: Youth plan and implement a communication and expressive arts project (speech, demonstration, art, photography, e)

Indicator: Youth complete a communication and expressive arts project

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Outcome: Community volunteers and leaders will gain leadership knowledge through a series of trainings related to skill development

Indicator: Number of participants who report knowledge gain through workshops

Method: end of program evaluations and surveys

Timeline: ongoing

 

Intermediate Outcome:

Youth put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles

Indicator: Youth serve as leaders within their club, county programs or state/national leadership positions.

Method: Number of youth serving in leadership roles

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome:

Youth participants become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles which increase involvement/action

Indicator: Youth serve as leaders within their club, county programs or state/national leadership positions.

Method: Number of youth serving in leadership roles

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

 

Initial Outcome:

Youth increase knowledge and practice effective leadership skills

Indicator: Youth serve in leadership (formal & informal) roles in the county program

Method: Number of youths who receive education related to leadership

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

 

Initial Outcome:

Youth are informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident and skills in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)

Indicator: Youth is inclusive of all individuals

Method: Number of youths who receive education related to inclusion & diversity

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

Outcome: Volunteers will participate in hands on and engaging workshops that either relate directly to their role in Hardin County 4-H or Extension or learn new skills to implement new programs in the the program in Hardin County.

Indicator:  Number of volunteers who utilized knowledge gained through workshops at KVF and fulfill a leadership role in the 4-H program or Extension in Hardin County. 

Method: Observation, programs being offered and implemented

Timeline:  on-going

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Initial Outcome: Increase participant knowledge of risk management, business planning, and financial literacy in agriculture.
Indicator: Number of women reporting increased understanding and confidence in farm business decisions.
Method: Pre/post-surveys, testimonials, follow-up interviews.
Timeline: 3 and 9 month post surveys

Initial Outcome: Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use. Recognize the value of diagnostic testing. Match plants to appropriate planting location. Understand the value of native plants. Discuss pollinator protection. Locate Extension horticulture resources. Observe horticulture and food preparation demonstrations. 

Indicator: Number of certified Master Gardeners and active volunteers 

Method: Master Gardener final exam

Timeline: Last day of the educational session

 

Intermediate Outcome: Use Extension diagnostic services. Be active in gardening. Diversify plant varieties. Add native plants to landscaping. Use Integrated Pest Management practices. Adopt best practices in water quality and/or soil health. Handle chemical safely 

Indicator: Number of master gardener volunteers who believe they developed skills they can use in other areas of their lives 

Method: survey

Timeline: yearly

 

Long-term Outcome: Increase access of fresh food. Reduce plant loss in landscaping. Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers. Added value or reduced expenses with landscaping. Volunteer for community horticulture projects. Improve physical, social and/or mental health. Develop employment skills 

Indicator: Number of Master Gardener hours completed in county 

Method: Reported hours

Timeline: Yearly

 

Family & Consumer Sciences

Outcome:  MCV’s increase knowledge and become experienced leaders

Indicator:  1, 2 (from MCV Program Indicators)

Method: Attend Fall training at Jabez; lead Jabez classes & throughout KY

Timeline:  yearly

Outcome: Sewing class participants gain skills  

Indicator:  6, 7, 8 (from MCV Program Indicators)

Method: Attend MCV-led classes 

Timeline:  on-going

Outcome: KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training.

Indicator:  Number of KEHA members who report knowledge gained through county and/or area officer and chairman training.

Method: program evaluation with pre and post assessment questions 

Timeline:  on-going

Outcome: KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.

Indicator:  Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership knowledge and/or Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership skills.

Method: end of program evaluations, surveys

Timeline:  on-going

Outcome: KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level.

Indicator:  Number of KEHA members who utilized knowledge gained through officer training to fulfill a KEHA leadership role at the club, county, area and/or state level.

Method: Observation, review of officer directories

Timeline:  on-going

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

Learning Opportunities:

4-H Youth Development

Project or Activity: 4-H Babysitting Basics Course

Content or Curriculum: Babysitting Basics

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Communication Contest

Content or Curriculum: Communications Curriculum: Module 1, Communications Curriculum Module 2, Communications Curriculum Module 3

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers

Date: Spring 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

 

Audience: Middle School Youth

Project or Activity: It’s Your Reality

Content or Curriculum: It’s Your Reality program curriculum

Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, local businesses, local volunteers

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

 

Audience: Homeschool Youth

Project or Activity: Hardin County 4-H Homeschool Club

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for all seven core curriculum areas.

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers

Date: Monthly, September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Clover Bud Club Youth, ages 5-8

Project or Activity: 4-H Clover Bud Clubs

Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H Clover Bud Curriculum and additional Clover Bud Resources from other states and National 4-H Mall Catalog

Inputs: extension staff, local volunteers

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: JK, DKR

Audience: 4-H Teen Leadership: Hardin/Grayson (youth, grades 6-12)

Project or Activity: Leadership and Community Awareness

Content Curriculum: Youth Engagement Leadership Program (YELP), KY 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum

Inputs: local residents, extension specialists, 4-H Agents, participants & families

Timeline: Monthly, September 2025 - April 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

 

Audience: High School Youth

Project or Activity: Issues Conference

Content or Curriculum: Leadership & Community Needs Identification and Problem Solving

Inputs: extension staff , extension specialists, local volunteers, 4-H Council

Date: November 2025

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Middle School Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit

Content or Curriculum: Leadership

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, 4-H Council

Date: March 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Teen and Adult Camp Volunteers

Project or Activity: Leadership

Content or Curriculum: Camp Training Materials as provided by State 4-H Office

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, 4-H Council

Date: Summer 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

 

Audience: 8th grade & High School Youth

Project or Activity: Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: Leadership

Inputs: extension staff , extension specialists, local volunteers, 4-H Council

Date: June 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

 

Audience: Middle and High School Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Club

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for Leadership programs and projects

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, 4-H Council

Date: Monthly, September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: 4-H Club Members and Leaders

Project or Activity: 4-H Club Officer or Leadership Team positions

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential, Teambuilding with Teens, My Leadership Workbook (Level 1), My Leadership Journal (Level 2), My Leadership Portfolio (Level 3), Leadership Mentor Guide 1: K-5, Leadership Mentor Guide 2: 6-12. 4-H State Leadership Boards, Achievement Program

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, 4-H membership, parents, 4-H Council

Date: September 2025 – June 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Sewing/Needlework Programs

Content or Curriculum: Style Engineers, Keeping 4-H in Stitches. Upcycle it, Steam Clothing, 4-H Needlework Notebook

Inputs: 4-H Council, Master Clothing Volunteers, community volunteers, extension staff

Date: Throughout the program year, September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

Project or Activity: 4-H Visual Arts After School Program & Evening Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Portfolio Pathways, Sketchbook Crossroads, KET Toolkit Visual Arts, Photography Level 1: Photography Basics, Photography Level 2: Next Level Photography, Photography Level 3: Mastering Photography, Getting Started in Art

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Hardin County and Elizabethtown Independent School Personnel

Project or Activity:  HCS & EIS teacher professional development day training

Content or Curriculum:  JMG Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! classroom curriculum (elementary level)

Inputs: Master Gardeners, extension staff, Hardin County Schools & Elizabethtown Independent Schools elementary school personnel

Date: July 2025 (training day) - May 2026 (program implementation final dates)

Agents: DKR, AA

Audience:  Hardin County Extension Volunteers, 4-H Council Members, and 4-H Club Leaders

Project or Activity:  Kentucky Volunteer Forum

Content or Curriculum: Various learning workshops covering all extension related fields including educational lessons and administrative assistance

Inputs: 4-H Agents, State Advisors, Volunteers

Date: February 2026

Agents: JK, DKR

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Audience: Farmers and Women in Agriculture Industry

Project or Activity: Annie’s Project, Empowering Women in Agriculture

Content or Curriculum: Annie’s Project, UK Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists and Research

Date: Spring every 3 years

Audience: Anyone with gardening enthusiasm
Project or Activity: Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Education Program
Content or Curriculum: EMG Manual
Inputs: State coordinator, County program dollars, Horticulture Agent time, other MGs
Date: Fall 2026, Spring 2028

Family & Consumer Sciences

Audience:  Master Clothing Volunteers

Project or Activity:  Fall training at Jabez, Lexington, Cave City

Content or Curriculum: classes based on certification needs or requests from members or as determined by the MCV Steering Committee

Inputs: State Coordinator, Agents, Steering Committee, other MCV’s

Date: Yearly in October 2025-2030 

Audience:  Master Clothing Volunteers

Project or Activity:  Area Work Days

Content or Curriculum: MCV’s get together as determined by their Area Contact or other MCV’s to work on service projects

Inputs: FCS & 4-H Agents or other MCV’s

Date: on-going 2025-2030

Audience:  Participants of MCV-Led Programs, general public

Project or Activity:  Level-Specific Sewing Classes

Content or Curriculum: MCV’s teach sewing classes in their counties

Inputs: FCS & 4-H Agents or other MCV’s

Date: on-going 2025-2030

   

Audience: Hardin County Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity:   KEHA Officer and Chairman Training / County KEHA Kickoff 

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Training Toolkit, KEHA Manual, KEHA Website

Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors

Date: Annually each fall 2025-2030

Audience: Hardin County Extension Homemakers 

Project or Activity:  KEHA Leader Training and/or Special Interest Workshops

Content or Curriculum: KELD Curriculum, FCS Extension Lesson Resources, FCS Curriculum

Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors

Date: Monthly 2025-2030

Audience:  Hardin County Extension Homemakers 

Project or Activity:  KEHA State Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Officer Training & Educational Chairman Workshops

Inputs: FCS Agents, State Advisors

Date: Annually each spring 2025-2030

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Agents:

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Intermediate Outcome: Youth plan and implement a communication and expressive arts project (speech, demonstration, art, photography, e)

Indicator: Youth complete a communication and expressive arts project

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Outcome: Community volunteers and leaders will gain leadership knowledge through a series of trainings related to skill development

Indicator: Number of participants who report knowledge gain through workshops

Method: end of program evaluations and surveys

Timeline: ongoing

 

Intermediate Outcome:

Youth put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles

Indicator: Youth serve as leaders within their club, county programs or state/national leadership positions.

Method: Number of youth serving in leadership roles

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome:

Youth participants become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles which increase involvement/action

Indicator: Youth serve as leaders within their club, county programs or state/national leadership positions.

Method: Number of youth serving in leadership roles

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

 

Initial Outcome:

Youth increase knowledge and practice effective leadership skills

Indicator: Youth serve in leadership (formal & informal) roles in the county program

Method: Number of youths who receive education related to leadership

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

 

Initial Outcome:

Youth are informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident and skills in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)

Indicator: Youth is inclusive of all individuals

Method: Number of youths who receive education related to inclusion & diversity

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

Outcome: Volunteers will participate in hands on and engaging workshops that either relate directly to their role in Hardin County 4-H or Extension or learn new skills to implement new programs in the the program in Hardin County.

Indicator:  Number of volunteers who utilized knowledge gained through workshops at KVF and fulfill a leadership role in the 4-H program or Extension in Hardin County. 

Method: Observation, programs being offered and implemented

Timeline:  on-going

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Initial Outcome: Increase participant knowledge of risk management, business planning, and financial literacy in agriculture.
Indicator: Number of women reporting increased understanding and confidence in farm business decisions.
Method: Pre/post-surveys, testimonials, follow-up interviews.
Timeline: 3 and 9 month post surveys

Initial Outcome: Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use. Recognize the value of diagnostic testing. Match plants to appropriate planting location. Understand the value of native plants. Discuss pollinator protection. Locate Extension horticulture resources. Observe horticulture and food preparation demonstrations. 

Indicator: Number of certified Master Gardeners and active volunteers 

Method: Master Gardener final exam

Timeline: Last day of the educational session

 

Intermediate Outcome: Use Extension diagnostic services. Be active in gardening. Diversify plant varieties. Add native plants to landscaping. Use Integrated Pest Management practices. Adopt best practices in water quality and/or soil health. Handle chemical safely 

Indicator: Number of master gardener volunteers who believe they developed skills they can use in other areas of their lives 

Method: survey

Timeline: yearly

 

Long-term Outcome: Increase access of fresh food. Reduce plant loss in landscaping. Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers. Added value or reduced expenses with landscaping. Volunteer for community horticulture projects. Improve physical, social and/or mental health. Develop employment skills 

Indicator: Number of Master Gardener hours completed in county 

Method: Reported hours

Timeline: Yearly

 

Family & Consumer Sciences

Outcome:  MCV’s increase knowledge and become experienced leaders

Indicator:  1, 2 (from MCV Program Indicators)

Method: Attend Fall training at Jabez; lead Jabez classes & throughout KY

Timeline:  yearly

Outcome: Sewing class participants gain skills  

Indicator:  6, 7, 8 (from MCV Program Indicators)

Method: Attend MCV-led classes 

Timeline:  on-going

Outcome: KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training.

Indicator:  Number of KEHA members who report knowledge gained through county and/or area officer and chairman training.

Method: program evaluation with pre and post assessment questions 

Timeline:  on-going

Outcome: KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons and special interest workshops.

Indicator:  Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership knowledge and/or Number of individuals reporting improved personal and interpersonal leadership skills.

Method: end of program evaluations, surveys

Timeline:  on-going

Outcome: KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level.

Indicator:  Number of KEHA members who utilized knowledge gained through officer training to fulfill a KEHA leadership role at the club, county, area and/or state level.

Method: Observation, review of officer directories

Timeline:  on-going

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline: